Issimi is currently offering for sale a 1963 Porsche 356 B Carrera 2 GS whose engine has been rebuilt by renowned 4-cam specialist Baumann.
Back in the 50s, in their desire to become a world-class sports car manufacturer Porsche created their first bespoke engine. Before then, Porsches used a Volkswagen derived single cam pushrod engine. Despite being powerful and thoroughly developed, there was a limit to the volumetric efficiency of the intrinsic design of the engine. It was then that the legendary Ernst Fuhrmann designed the Type 547 motor.
For the Type 547 motor, he used four overhead cams, twin-plug ignition, roller bearings for the crank, and bevel drive for the valvetrain. It was a technological masterpiece that allowed for exceptional specific output that can deliver almost 100hp per liter and all of it was done using 1950s technology. The new racing engine eventually powered almost every significant Porsche race car of the era: the 550 Spyder, 718 RSK, RS60, RS61, 787 Formula 2 car, Abarth GTL, and the 904.
For customers who are competition-oriented, Porsche also made these 4-cam engines available in 356 road cars. It was the first time that the marque used the name Carrera, which was their way to acknowledge the company’s exceptional success at the Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico, especially in 1954 when the 1500cc class was dominated by the 550 Spyder.
Due to the complex and race-centered nature of the engines, not everyone was able to handle it. Only 2000 Fuhrmann 4-cam engines were built in total and only a few were made into road cars. With the almost legendary reputation that the engine has made for itself, it is not surprising that the genuine 356 Carreras are some of the most desirable Porsche road cars of all time. The last of these legendary cars were introduced in 1962 in the form of the Carrera 2 GS. It was given a new larger 2-liter 4-cammotor after a hiatus of a few years. The engine had a peak output of 130hp, which was the same output of the 911 that was produced later on. An upgrade of the 356 include being equipped with disc brakes for the first time.
This Carrera 2 GS example on offer was delivered new back in April 1963 in Italy. It had a silver finish matched with red interior, which the car has kept until today. According to the Kardex which will come with the sale, it was originally fitted with engine number 97248. Currently, it is equipped with the correct 2-liter Carrera motor numbered 97115. The example is also currently equipped with an Eberspächer gasoline fired heater. It is also equipped with reproduction Speedster seats that provide improved lateral support and headroom. Both cosmetic and mechanical condition of the example are very good, running easily and magnificently and very well presented throughout.
The current consigner is an avid collector who took great care of the car while in his care. They even tapped the expertise of the legendary Swiss 4-cam specialist Armin Baumann to give it an engine rebuild. Part of the sale includes invoices from when the current owner acquired it in 2014, ASI documents, and original seats. Total number of previous owners of the example is unknown.
The 1963 Porsche 356 B Carrera 2 GS has a mileage of 14,021km and the seller is asking for €525,000 to part with this magnificent sports car.
